Joseph "Joe" M. Miller

Joseph M. "Joe" Miller, 100, of Metamora, IL, passed away at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at Snyder Village in Metamora, IL.

He was born on November 7, 1922, in Worth Township, IL, to John and Frances (Theobald) Miller. He married Mary L. Wernsman on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1948, at St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church in Germantown Hills, IL. She passed away on March 5, 2022.

Surviving are his three children, Daniel (Connie) Miller, Janice (Bruce) Bonetto, and LuAnn (Dave) Veatch; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, three sisters, his foster parents, Michael and Elizabeth (Alig) Fandel, and two foster brothers.

Joe served in WWII in the Army/Air Corps from November 16, 1942, to October 29, 1945, just 17 days short of three years. He was a squad leader in B Company 84th chemical mortar battalion. Joe was an expert marksman and received a purple heart. He also received a European ribbon with three battle stars, an expert rifleman medal and the good conduct medal. Joe was in a foxhole for 138 straight days during the Battle of Anzio, one of the bloodiest battles of the war. Joe said the best thing that happened to him was he had an audience with Pope Pius XII. When Joe was 89 years old, he went on an Honor Flight. Although he would never talk about his experiences in WWII, he did open up and talk about it after going on the Honor Flight, which was fascinating to listen to.

After the war, Joe returned to Metamora and married his girlfriend, Mary Wernsman. He was a member of St. Mary's Church for 74 years and also a member of St. Mary's Holy Name Society for many years. He was a recipient of the Diocese of Peoria Pere Marquette Award. For over 40 years, Joe was often seen at St. Mary's school or church doing whatever needed to be done including mowing, maintaining the lawn mowers, picking up leaves, plowing snow, recycling aluminum cans, and serving morning Mass. Joe was a devout Catholic and attended daily Mass for 40 years. There was nothing Joe couldn't fix.

Joe worked at the Metamora Canning Factory during pea harvest and made $0.30 per hour. He then started working as a mechanic at the Metamora Garage and eventually became part owner. Joe retired in July of 1979, enjoying more years of retirement than working.

Joe served on the St. Mary's Cemetery Board, serving in all capacities including becoming President in 1971. He also served for 11 years on the Village of Metamora Planning Commission, two 4-year terms on the Metamora Village Board and ran the Caucus for many, many years. Joe was also a lifelong member of the American Legion.

Joe and Mary walked five days a week for 30 minutes at a time for 30 years, logging over 10,000 miles.

Joe loved his family, watching his grandkids' events, playing Euchre and Feather, the Chicago Cubs, bowling, woodworking, peppermint candy, and soda.

Joe was well known and respected in the community. For his 100th Birthday, Joe received 245 cards. To that he said, "everybody knows Joe!"

A funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Fr. David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon at the Church. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Metamora. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to either St. Mary's Catholic Church or St. Mary's School, 415 West Chatham Street, Metamora, IL 61548. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

St. Mary's School
400 West Chatham Street, Metamora IL 61548

St. Mary's Church
415 West Chatham Street, Metamora IL 61548